Father's ashes stolen from car parked outside home

Someone stole a man's ashes, just as his family was getting ready to hold a celebration of life in his honor.

Shelley Michael refers to her father as "Baja" Bill Banta. Many family members came to Portland over the weekend to remember Banton in a special ceremony. He passed away in June.

But after the gathering, someone stole his ashes out of a camper, parked at Northeast 10th and Thompson Street early yesterday morning. Michael says the ashes were separated into several blue containers and placed inside a backpack that was taken.

Michael said whoever took it will probably be quite surprised by the ashes. Especially if they pour it out, "it will probably haunt them for a little while I imagine," she said.

The backpack also contained photos of "Baja" Bill with his family. Michael posted a plea on Craigslist asking for the backpack to be returned, no questions asked.